Airdrie Update 306 - Jan 2017

By Diamond Forever January 2 2017

<> A happy New Year to all Diamonds wherever you are...<> So into another year and more Airdrie Updates! Started as Updates on the (printed) press articles and snippets about Airdrie several years ago, now into 2017 and concentrating on mainly online features, news, snippets and gossip on or around the club, players and fans past, present and future...

So into another year and more Airdrie Updates! Started as Updates on the (printed) press articles and snippets about Airdrie several years ago, now into 2017 and concentrating on mainly online features, news, snippets and gossip on or around the club, players and fans past, present and future...

Not sure about Third Lanark - I won't pretend to be a know it all - But a keyboard warrior might want to make something up for me here!?

Jim McCartney Replying mark macleod 7:58am Thu 12 Jan 17
The name Third Lanark still exists and could in theory re-enter the Scottish Leagues. The name was bought as part of the liquidation process. I believe there is an amateur team currently using it. As a wise man (John Mercer) once said, does a football team need a company to still be a football team?

Alex Morton Replying mark macleod 8:59am Thu 12 Jan 17
Gretna were, or maybe still are, in the process of being liquidated due to financial failures. Airdrie were also liquidated but someone bought Clydebank and changed the name - they are not actually the same club.

Colin Docherty Replying mark macleod 10:44am Thu 12 Jan 17
Third Lanark were liquidated and Reformed as Third Lanark AC- Brand new club

Airdrie were liquidated but Jim Ballantyne, purchased
Clydebank and formed Aidrie United. No merger there and Brand new club formed.

Chapelhall manAndy Ryan & Jack Leitch interviewed by Kenny Crawford - (BBC Scotland KC Twitter) - [twitter.com]
Watched it today and by now Jack will have realized his "old man" missed the goal! But well done on his first, hopefully of many? How many goals have been scored by mid fielders this season?

Chapelhall manAndy Ryan & Jack Leitch interviewed by Kenny Crawford - (BBC Scotland KC Twitter) - [twitter.com]
Watched it today and by now Jack will have realized his "old man" missed the goal! But well done on his first, hopefully of many? How many goals have been scored by mid fielders this season?

A new back four problem for MW. I would predict he moves McIntosh to CB/Stewart to RB/Conroy to LB but maybe he will go for a back three of Cairns/McIntosh/Gorman and a midfield five of Stewart/Brown/Leitch//Conroy/Russell( or mix) with Ryan up front. Or will he give Higgins a shot at full back in a back four? Be glad I am not the manager but I would not have signed Boateng( K McBride?) Judging by my predicted score disasters I expect to wrong in so many ways.

A new back four problem for MW. I would predict he moves McIntosh to CB/Stewart to RB/Conroy to LB but maybe he will go for a back three of Cairns/McIntosh/Gorman and a midfield five of Stewart/Brown/Leitch//Conroy/Russell( or mix) with Ryan up front. Or will he give Higgins a shot at full back in a back four? Be glad I am not the manager but I would not have signed Boateng( K McBride?) Judging by my predicted score disasters I expect to wrong in so many ways.

<> Wonder if it was King who influenced McBride to sign him (just as IK talked up Faria at the time and who knows else!) and Schmidt? No sign of Schmidt in the line up for the last Under 20s game and not on the bench on Saturday. Is he injured and/or is he on his way out the door? Notice he's on a 1 year deal till the end of the season. <>

Talking of forwards, this ex Diamond's back in the States - (Wikipedia) - [en.wikipedia.org]

A new back four problem for MW. I would predict he moves McIntosh to CB/Stewart to RB/Conroy to LB but maybe he will go for a back three of Cairns/McIntosh/Gorman and a midfield five of Stewart/Brown/Leitch//Conroy/Russell( or mix) with Ryan up front. Or will he give Higgins a shot at full back in a back four? Be glad I am not the manager but I would not have signed Boateng( K McBride?) Judging by my predicted score disasters I expect to wrong in so many ways.[/quote]

<> Wonder if it was King who influenced McBride to sign him (just as IK talked up Faria at the time and who knows else!) and Schmidt? No sign of Schmidt in the line up for the last Under 20s game and not on the bench on Saturday. Is he injured and/or is he on his way out the door? Notice he's on a 1 year deal till the end of the season. <>

Speculation about influence on KM in these signings is fair enough. I would keep them in squad if we have to pay them, but a mutual release agreement would be better.

A striker with no goals tell's me Schmidt will be gone along with most. Said it b4 I just wonder how many will get an offer and being honest I couldn't care less. 3 in particularI would keep but the rest SHOULD go. Not afraid 2 release Lister etc so get the rest out couldn't lace the big man's boots.

CeecilA striker with no goals tell's me Schmidt will be gone along with most. Said it b4 I just wonder how many will get an offer and being honest I couldn't care less. 3 in particularI would keep but the rest SHOULD go. Not afraid 2 release Lister etc so get the rest out couldn't lace the big man's boots.

I agree about not caring about many of them but if they are being paid, make them earn something for it. I agree about Lister's qualities but I don't think he would have gone FT?

CeecilMb
a sign that we could mix good part time players with average full timers.? Could be worth a try and could save a couple of Bob.

<> From recollection this was either asked at a Q & A and/or covered at another time by Black/King or TW - it was said that they didn't want players coming in at different times (due to work commitments) and that they wanted them all training together as the 1 team at the same time. <>

2003 - Jerome Vareille - The French striker was a favourite with the fans, banging in the goals (including that famous 4 goals in 14 minutes). Moving to Ayr Utd. at the end of season 2005, nowadays he keeps an eye on his daughter's athletic progress - (BBC Sport Scotland) - [www.bbc.co.uk]

When interviewed back in the day Jerome hoped we would win promotion all the way to the Premier League. Well we know what happened there, but we still remember him fondly - (Free Library) - [www.thefreelibrary.com]

2004 - David Dunn - Like Vareille midfield maestro Dunn moved to Ayr Utd. and for the last 5 years has been plying his trade in junior football.

2005 - Marvyn Wilson - A stalwart and fans favourite from the "old" Airdrieonians "Marvellous Marvyn" reappeared in an Airdrie Utd. jersey for 3 years until 2005. Having hung up his boots he foraged a career in business and manages to retain his interest and passion for the game by way of assisting junior side Linlithgow Rose.

2006 - Bryan Prunty - The popular "Mr. Airdrie" arrived at NB after stints at Celtic, Aberdeen & Inverness. This seemed to work well for him and his career was rejuvinated at Airdrie and subsequently (again!) Ayr Utd. Rejoining the club for a 2nd spell in 2014 he then moved north to Arbroath where he still plays.

2007 - Neil McGowan - A man of many clubs, McGowan had a settled spell of 5 years at NB. In recent years he has been involved in the juniors and currently coaches at Irvine Meadow.

2008 - Allan Russell - How many of us now remember this other Russell? Despite spending only 1 season with the Diamonds Russell banged in the goals and netted the SFL Player Of the Year for Div. 2. He was quickly snapped up by the other Ayrshire side - Kilmarnock. He now plies his trade in the USA along with running a coaching consultancy.

2009 - Stephen Robertson - Shot stopper Robertson enjoyed 5 years at the club then moved to Alloa and junior side Kirkintilloch Rob Roy. He seems to have finished up there and not sure where he is now?

2011 - Ryan McCord - Despite a promising start to his career at Dundee Utd. McCord came to the Diamonds on loan and seemed to find his groove in the side. He had a lengthy spell at Alloa before moving back up the coast to Arbroath where he now is.

2012 - Ryan Donnelly - Possibly the prime candidate for the "What could have been" trophy and where did it all go wrong? Donnelly came through the youth ranks at NB then made a real impression on the 1st team - banging in the goals and attracting interest from bigger clubs on both sides of the border. But a year after winning the SFL Player Of The Year award for the 2nd Div. he was away - his form had collapsed and his goals had dried up. Ending up at Brechin Albion Rovers and Ayr Utd (including an ill fated loan spell at Hurlford Utd) who knows where or what he's up to (apart from Twitter) now. Maybe at 25 there's still time for him to get back into the game?

2013 - John Boyle - Sadly injury hit Boyle's Airdrie career was cut short even after attempts at a "comeback". The much missed striker had been racking up the goals but he managed to salvage his career by joining Fauldhouse United and became Asst. Manager/coach.

2014 - Jim Lister - Striker Lister started in the junior leagues moving through clubs to eventually arrive at NB in 2013. Without a doubt his most prolific and successful club to be with unfortunately Lister was released as the club moved to a full time model. He currently plays for old manager Bollan at Forfar.

2015 - Paddy Boyle - Progressing from Everton's youth academy Boyle spent 2 years at NB but was (again!) picked up by Ayr Utd where he is currently on a 2 year deal (until 2017).

2016 - David Cox - Picked up from Peterhead, popular due to his commmitment and fight Cox however joined Lister at Forfar at the end of last season.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2017:01:20:12:59:18 by Diamond Forever.

Memories quite sad when u look at it 2day oh how we could we could do with David Cox at least a fighting diamond who was desperate 2 stay and full time ask Wotherspoon about that. Another poor decision?

Just MeA statistic. Last year all season Cox scored 4 goals. This year so far Brown-8, Russell-13, Ryan-14.Enough said.

A fair enough comment but he was popular with the fans( POTY who then leaves) for his whole hearted/caring commitment. Despite being more up for it than Brown, I thought his discipline let him down at crucial times but as a wide right player I would have kept him for a depth/competitive nature of squad. I heard his father had a real run in with many of the new faces and that probably sealed his departure.

"2004 - David Dunn - Like Vareille midfield maestro Dunn moved to Ayr Utd. and for the last 5 years has been plying his trade in junior football."

I think he joined us during January 2003,and I remember my nephew saying he did not think he had much to offer . A free kick moments later was rattled into the net by Dunn. I suspect that game was away against Stenhousemuir and ended 3-3 . Clearly they gave us problems even then. He only scored 6 goals in his seasons but was a cultured midfielder.May well be at Forth Juniors?

I also felt sorry for Ryan Donnelly after his hot spell because he was played out of position for much of the rest of his time, but maybe the week at Wigan kidded him on that he was bound for higher things. Makes you wonder who will be POTY this season and where they end up.Ryan must be well in the lead.

I know C.hall man, a lot better player than Russell what a difference he would have made for effort more than anything, and face it what Airdrie man wants to travel to Forfar every 2 days.Said it b4 a simple an explanation would shut us all up.

CeecilI know C.hall man, a lot better player than Russell what a difference he would have made for effort more than anything, and face it what Airdrie man wants to travel to Forfar every 2 days.Said it b4 a simple an explanation would shut us all up.

I don't see much chance of any explanation from either David or the previous but now departed "new faces"- maybe TW just wants to let it wither on the vine. At his peak I think Ian Russell was/is a better player and a squad with both of them this season would have been attractive.I think Cox has an edge on Brown despite the goal difference. It's not the forwards that need analyzing mind you!

Agree that the problems lie at the back but can't agree about Cox. Some fans think that physical effort on it's own makes a good player. In so far As Ceecil suggesting that Cox is better than Russell this is beyond belief. I think Ceecil should compare the two's career scoring records and then go back to boycotting games! I also think that apart from physical effort Brown has much more to offer than Cox. Brown scores more goals and has been pretty unlucky not to score more. He is better at crossing and passing than Cox. The pass for Ryan's goal on Saturday was superb and there have been several like that this season. Yet, a lot of people only notice that he craps out of tackles.

Just MeAgree that the problems lie at the back but can't agree about Cox. Some fans think that physical effort on it's own makes a good player. In so far As Ceecil suggesting that Cox is better than Russell this is beyond belief. I think Ceecil should compare the two's career scoring records and then go back to boycotting games! I also think that apart from physical effort Brown has much more to offer than Cox. Brown scores more goals and has been pretty unlucky not to score more. He is better at crossing and passing than Cox. The pass for Ryan's goal on Saturday was superb and there have been several like that this season. Yet, a lot of people only notice that he craps out of tackles.

As the man with the wooden leg said, it's all a matter of opinion. We can't have Ceecil boycotting home games as we need the money and the later internet gems.

By no means will I boycott, can't beat a miserable Sat night! As for Russell just me he was good In the past but not now as he's basically contributed penalties and red cards. Mackay needs a chance and u don't sign for Leeds with no ability. My choice tho and I'll probably be wrong!

CeecilLoud on and Higgins back to C.Nauld don't really get it when people tell me they're both decent players and we have a poor squad already. Thoughts anyone?

Saturday afternoon and no live football so I also find it strange that both are back out to Cumbernauld ( Colts?) . Loudon looked a possible sub in most games but saw little of Higgins to judge. Maybe we have signed a right back so McIntosh can play CB? I just saw a pig crossing the skyline! Roll on a new back four at Stenny?

CeecilAll in an ideal world C.Hall but we both know it just won't happen although if it doesn't then why did Wilson say we we're getting players in and not out.

Say what you mean, mean what you say. Good to see East Fife continue their winning form today against the other FT club. Maybe our draw was not that bad?( I am contradicting many of my previous views if you see what I mean!) Maybe he thinks they are not yet ready to be "players"

Probably right but at this stage we'll be lucky to fill the bench now. Not really acceptable for a full time team, with no injuries apart from Fitz and 2 suspensions next game. Why we get so many bans I don't know cos we don't tackle!

Saw the highlights but wished I hadn't - just as I wish I hadn't actually been there to watch the debacle first hand! Gutless performance. Keeper vastly overrated. Don't care how young he is, if he isn't up to the job he shouldn't be in the team, simple as that. We need a keeper with experience and QUICKLY (mind you, we also need some decent defenders too, not to mention an experienced manager........come to think about it, the only thing we have going for us at the moment -Andy Ryan excepted - are the Diamond Pies!

We've let 6 players go/move on since December:- Faria (released early), Scullion (back to Hamilton), Daly, Schmidt (released early), Loudon & Higgins (both back to Cumbernauld on loan). McBride was let go and there are still £ questions over a compensation claim from EWB. With only Mensing and McKay arriving it looks as if there is a balancing of the books (Wilson - "no money") until the end of the season by which time TW will hope we are still in the play offs...

If that is the case come May then TW will remind us of the promised "ups and downs/setbacks" in the 3 year plan, and landing in the play offs was the intended goal which will have been achieved.

TW has put money into the club and off the park it's going well (sponsorship etc...) but he has been let down badly by King and coaches/managers on it. We have been fortunate to remain in 3rd place as we have had some terrible results, been awful to watch and are lucky teams below us have not capitalised on our drop in form.

Diamond Forever<> Well we're nearly out of January...
We've let 6 players go/move on since December:- Faria (released early), Scullion (back to Hamilton), Daly, Schmidt (released early), Loudon & Higgins (both back to Cumbernauld on loan). McBride was let go and there are still £ questions over a compensation claim from EWB. With only Mensing and McKay arriving it looks as if there is a balancing of the books (Wilson - "no money") until the end of the season by which time TW will hope we are still in the play offs...

If that is the case come May then TW will remind us of the promised "ups and downs/setbacks" in the 3 year plan, and landing in the play offs was the intended goal which will have been achieved.

TW has put money into the club and off the park it's going well (sponsorship etc...) but he has been let down badly by King and coaches/managers on it. We have been fortunate to remain in 3rd place as we have had some terrible results, been awful to watch and are lucky teams below us have not capitalised on our drop in form.

Here's hoping February is better... <>

Some of the "moved on" struggle to deserve the term "player" but I endorse your "here's hoping"; anything less than playoffs at the top will be depressing. Mind you if we don't get sorted out it could be at the other end playoffs. This was what I felt during last season at this point as well and thanks to Lister it ended up in a better tho'( to quote MW) "disappointing" 5th place.

Above post says Wotherspoon has been let down badly by managers, it is that clown that brings them in, as for play offs, personally i dont think we are good enough to finish in play off place,only Andy Ryan can hold his head up, the rest are p*sh, especially defence and goalkeeper

Yes the goalkeeper is young ,but has not improved one bit.even the last goal on sat you could have reached higher on your knees,between him and the defence any ball that arrives in the box in the air is a goal,maybe Boateng would be better in goal.

Diamond ForeverJust when I thought I had wrapped up January we sign a defender (on loan) from Hamilton Accies till the end of the season - (Hamilton Accies FC Official site) - [www.hamiltonacciesfc.co.uk]
Young but with a wee drop experience - wonder if Boateng is being edged out?

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